Brewer High School’s beloved Jared Hooten repeals his title as coach and teacher to move forward in his career after an opening within the high school. Hooten has taken on a long-desired promotion as a school counselor that has been years in the making.
“During my second year of teaching I realized that I wanted to pursue counseling,” Hooten said, “I found that I was good at creating deep and meaningful connections with kids who needed guidance, whether it was in life or simply at school.”
Hooten has attended two different Universities to receive his current level of education. Oklahoma State University was his first stop, obtaining a bachelor’s in pre-med studies.
“I then went back to school at the University of Texas at Tyler to get my master’s in school counseling,” Hooten said.
At the beginning of this past summer, Hooten was given this perfect opportunity. With this being such a wonderful path towards where he wanted to be, there was no way that he could turn down the offer.
“Two or three days after school ended for students last year, I was made aware that one of the high school counselors was going to be changing roles within the district, so I decided to apply for that position,” Hooten said, “After, I was allowed to step into my current position.”
Although Hooten will miss the classroom setting, he recognizes the many advantages of what he now does as a counselor.
“Teachers have the significant role of crafting relationships with students on a nearly daily basis, whereas I don’t have as much of a consistent opportunity to do so as a counselor,” Hooten said. “However, I am naturally more passionate about counseling, guidance and mental health, so I think I will be okay.”
Hooten values his connections with the students here at Brewer and isn’t worried about them weakening due to this change. He believes that they can only improve from here.
“I think the relationships that I have already established with former students and athletes will easily survive, and I now have the opportunity to reach other students that I wouldn’t normally get the chance to know,” said Hooten, “I think I’m in a win-win situation.”
However, this job can be quite difficult and take a toll emotionally on the counselors at hand. Hooten acknowledged some of the many strains to work through.
“It is not always sunshine and rainbows as some believe. There are many times when crises arise and counselors are usually the first ones to step in,” Hooten said, “It can be very difficult to navigate certain situations due to the nature and root of the issue itself.”
Despite the hardships that come with this job, there is a bright side. Hooten gets the privilege of academically and emotionally affecting the lives of many students.
“Being able to positively impact a student’s life is something that I can’t quite describe in words, yet it holds so much weight in my heart,” Hooten said, “Creating and fostering a trusting environment where students can get the help they need is important to me.”
Although Hooten will miss coaching athletes, he is also optimistic about the change, as not all aspects of coaching were all so fun and games.
“I enjoyed seeing athletes overcome challenges and get stronger mentally and physically,” Hooten said. “However, I will not miss having to wear three pairs of pants, two shirts, a hoodie, a parka and two pairs of gloves to stay warm during soccer season!”
Hooten wishes for his first year in this position to go smoothly. Fortunately, he is not alone in this next step in his life.
“I have a great team of experienced counselors that are all willing to help me through any and every situation,” Hooten said. “They have been so welcoming and supportive of my transition and I couldn’t ask for a better team!”
Hooten is very grateful for his promotion, and thankful for all the people that has helped him get to where he is now.
“I want to shout out to everyone for making this place function,” said Hooten, “There are a lot of unsung heroes that go unnoticed daily that deserve recognition.”
On a more personal level, Hooten wanted to make one more special acknowledgment.
“Thank you to those of you who supported me and my family during the most difficult time of my life this past year, as my son underwent his heart surgeries and transplant,” Hooten said, “It means more to me than you will ever know. Thank you!”
Congratulations to Mr. Hooten as he starts this new journey in his life; and to any students who may have Hooten as their counselor, just know that you are in great hands.